Job Title: Events & Project Officer (with a life science focus)
Working For: European Animal Research Association
Location: London – EARA office, or candidates working remotely (within European time zones). The job will also entail European travel.
Salary: Full-time/pro-rata £26,000 – £31,000.
Job Details
The European Animal Research Association (EARA) is a communications and advocacy organisation, representing both public and private institutions in the biomedical sector. Its mission is to inform the public about the continued need for, and benefits of, the humane use of animals in scientific research, by providing accurate and evidence-based information. Through the support of close to 150 member organisations, both in Europe and globally, EARA also aims to influence decision makers, support advocacy and communications networks, and provide support and assistance for the transport supply chain.
Principal Duties
As part of the communications team, and under the management of the EARA executive director, the principal duties of the Events & Projects Officer will be to develop events to engage with EARA’s stakeholders and member institutions on public engagement projects; and to assist with the recruitment of new member institutions to the association. The role will be part of the communications function of EARA and the successful applicant will also contribute to the work of the communications team.
Project responsibilities will include:
EARA Patient Engagement Project: Representatives of patient groups with serious medical conditions will be invited into research institutions to be given an understanding of the use of animals in biomedical research. By understanding that this is a vital stage in increasing knowledge and improving treatment of their condition, the aim is to find ‘champion advocates’ on animal research from the patient perspective.
Co-ordinate the ‘Discovery Days’ within selected research institutions throughout Europe.
Work in close relation with institutions’ communications departments and with patient groups.
Prepare infographics or other material.
EARA Openness Events:
Plan and co-ordinate the arrangements of in person events in European countries.
Manage the delivery of panel discussions on how to improve openness in communications about animal research with the general public, political decision makers, and opinion formers.
EARA online media training workshops:
Plan the arrangements for online webinars, which seek to give participants expert advice on how to better communicate the research they carry out and prepare for and manage a crisis communications situation.
Media relations:
Assist in responding to media enquiries.
Contribute to content for press releases and briefings, websites and social media.
Help to maintain contact databases.
Other duties:
Support the EARA team in its engagement with the European Commission and Parliament.
Undertake other reasonable tasks, associated with a membership association, as required.
Person Specifications
Required experience:
An academic background in the life sciences or health or science communications, to degree level.
Experience of running events (in person, online or hybrid).
An understanding of the scientific, ethical and moral justification for animal research.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
Experience of science communication on social media.
Additional desirable requirements:
Experience of stakeholder engagement and project management.
Written and/or verbal competency in another European language.
Able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Willing to undertake travel in Europe.
Experience of database systems for customer relationship management.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritise workload and maximise the use of time.
Closing Date: Friday 16 June 2023
Interview/Start Dates
The application deadline is 1700 GMT.
Interviews with suitable candidates may take place before the closing date, but no later than the end of June. Please also give an indication of when you would be available to start work.
Application Details
Please email your CV and an accompanying cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification to kleech@eara.eu with the subject heading ‘EARA Events & Project Officer’. Only successful applicants will be contacted.